Thames Valley Over 65's

Even an hour before kick-off it was obvious that this was going to be a hot and draining session of football. Our Division 1 team were flirting with relegation and missing our main striker with an hamstring injury and another regular defecting to another side.  However, we arrived with optomism and smiling faces hoping that we could find a way to survive.

First up was our Division 4 team who if things went our way could have finished runners-up.  Woodley were our first opponents and some good football and dominant possesion saw Dave Marsh score from range to start the day with a 1-0 win. Barry Lustigman also had several chances with shots from the left side of midfield forcing their keeper into action.

Tring were next up and with a 'rookie' referee officiating, anything could have happened and of course it did! Half way through what was a tight and entertaining game, the referee 'thought' he saw Dave enter the box whilst defending. Not even Tring appealed, but the ref was adamant he thought he saw him encroach the area. After verbal exchanges a penalty was the result and although Laurence Hardwicke in goal got a hand to the ball, diving to his right, he couldn't stop the powerful shot.

The lads once again dug in and a good passage of play resulted in Dave laying a beautifully weighted ball for Brian Kemp to place the ball inside the post with a lovely finish. Mike Wood also had a few chances playing up front but 1-1 was the final score.  With the heat getting hotter we then faced run-a-way leaders Abingdon and Steve Buckey together with Nigel Walker kept there efforts on goal to a minimun and Laurence in goal was again solid. Bernie Biggerstaff had a couple of chances o open the scoring before a tactical switch brought Nigel Walker into midfield and Kemp moving up front. Although we probably bossed possesion we couldn't find a way through with the game ending 0-0 and a well earned point.  Our final game was against Maidenhead and with legs getting tired and temeratures soaring, the game was a tight affair with neither side really creating any clear cut chances. However, towards the end of the game a deflected shot from range wrong footed Laurence and although we dominated the game, a 1-0 loss was the final result.

So where did that leave us in the league with 1 win, 2 draws and a defeat? The answer is a creditable third place.

Squad: Laurence Hardwike, Steve Buckey, Barry Lustigman, Nigel Walker, Mike Wood, Brian Kemp, Dave Marsh, Bernie Biggerstaff, Andy Smith

So to Division 1, with our side needing to better the results of Cove to stand any chance of staying in the Division. We are the only team to have been in this Division since its inception, so no pressure, but there was a reputation to keep.

As previously stated we were without two of our regular players, especially striker Mick Stanbridge. However, we started quite well against a very aggressive Abingdon side. Steve Manly almost put us in front with a blisterring shot which cannoned off the post before Abingdon went in front with a well taken goal. Minutes later, a lovely cross field ball from Chris York to Alastair Greene brought us level with a fine shot from range. 1-1 the final score. Next up were Bracknell and we had a lesson in how to finish from their international striker who scored three really well taken goals, none of which Steve Beament in goal could do anything about. Even Jordan Pickford would have struggled! Having said that, Andy Balsahw hit a blisstering shot against the bar and Chris with a well worked free kick hit the post, as did Steve again. However, 3-0 was the final score. The crunch match came next against Cove.  We bossed possesion in the early stages and Cliff Leat had his work cut out by a strange moaning striker with a beeney hat on, who did everything he could to wind him up! As always Cliff kept his cool and managed him really well. Mike Wood who had already played in the morning came on to give the guys a bit of a breather, as these matches were almost back to back with only a few 'drinks breaks' for the adverts!

Midway through the half, Steve Beament made another great save only for the rebound falling to a Cove player at the far post on the edge of the box. From where I was standing it looked like he played the ball inside the area, but the goal stood. Again with the heat soaring and legs getting tired, another long range shot into the top corner saw Cove win the game 2-0. Its worth stating that Steve in goal had been magnificent throughout the afternoon and the goals conceeded were absolute 'worldy's'.

So our final game against the winners of the league, Highworth and our destiny already sealed, we gave them a good game with neither side really creating much and 0-0 being a fair result.

Squad: Steve Beament, Cliff Leat, Alastair Greene, Andy Balsahw, Steve Manly, Chris York, Mike Wood. Unused sub Dave Marsh.

So Division 2 here we come and although it was a sad day, we held our heads high and yes, we always go to win, but we also go to enjoy the spirit of the game. I am proud of all the lads, as they gave it everything, they left everything on the 4G and we go again in the Thames Valley WFL Cup on Tuesday 21st July.